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Posted on December 12, 2019
Tesla might continually hog the headlines thanks to the unique character of its founder, but there's much more to the fast-growing EV market than the Silicon Valley automotive upstart.
Over the last two decades, Kia have been quietly building a reputation for providing high-quality family cars at affordable prices, and their new Niro takes this approach into the all-electric market. But how do the 2020 Kia Niro EV features stack up against the more attention-grabbing 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Battery and Range
Although EV tech has matured rapidly over the last few years, a limited driving range is still an issue that causes concern for many drivers. Thankfully, the Kia Niro has largely solved that problem in day-to-day life. With a range of around 450km under standard test conditions, this is a car that will slot into daily driving patterns without any hassle.
In contrast, the Tesla manages a slightly less impressive 412km range. This may not seem a huge difference, but it means more frequent charges for city driving and more careful planning for longer journeys.
Performance
When it comes to pure power and performance, the Tesla is a clear winner. That's perhaps not surprising for a car company which focuses more on making headlines rather than producing vehicles for real-world practical use. That said, with a top speed of 167km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds, the Niro isn't outside the normal range of typical family cars.
For comparison, the more performance-oriented Model 3 has a top speed of 224km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds.
However, where the Kia wins out is in its choice of driving modes. Four are offered in total, which provide different balances of performance to battery drain. Of the two most useful, the normal mode provides respectable acceleration and straight-line speed, while the eco mode trades off a little performance in return for lower juice requirements and an extended range.
Interior and Cargo Capacity
As fully modern all-electric vehicles, both cars have the range of interior technology that you'd expect. For example, both feature large infotainment touchscreens, USB ports, and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
But when it comes to practicality, the Niro is a clear winner. Although both cars seat five adults in comfort, and the Tesla has a slightly longer body frame, the Kia offers substantially more cargo space, with 515 litres compared to the Model 3's 424.
What's more, the Kia also wins out on towing capacity, with a maximum payload of 483kg compared to the Tesla's 406kg.
Both of these figures underline the different approaches of the cars, with the Kia aiming firmly at bringing all-electric vehicles into daily use as a straight replacement for standard gas cars.
Test Drive the 2020 Kia Niro EV in Calgary
If you're ready to make the switch to all-electric driving, the 2020 Kia Niro EV is an ideal choice that offers new technology with a familiar feel. Contact us to arrange a test drive from our Calgary showroom, and see how the Niro could fit seamlessly into your life.
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